The fuel economy gains are less than 10 percent, but still worth it to Kia

Kia is adding a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to its powertrain coffers, at least in Europe. According to Car Magazine, the Korean automaker is making the system available on its diesel-engine equipped Sportage and has plans to expand that to gasoline engines next year. They also claim that Kia will have no fewer than 16 advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, five each of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles, and one new hydrogen model. Again, this is Europe, but we expect similar advancements coming to our shores, with the diesels being the exception.

In the diesel Sportage, Kia says the 48-volt system improves fuel efficiency by 4 percent in Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedures and 7 percent in the New European Driving Cycle tests. It does so by extending the “off time” of the start/stop system in traffic as well as reducing the engine load on the diesel while driving.

Photo

2018 Kia Sportage Engine

The 48-volt system powers a 13 hp, or 10 kW, electric motor/generator to help ease the burden on the diesel engine. The system recharges itself during specific acceleration and braking modes, and its compact battery tucks neatly in the trunk.